5 Reasons to Visit the Guinness Factory

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner so Dublin has been on my mind recently. Ireland is an ideal country to visit year-round but visiting the famous Guinness Factory is a must for any avant-garde traveler.

Here are 5 Reasons to Visit the Guinness Factory:

1) This is the Real Deal

The first time I tasted a Guinness was back in college and my initial reactions were not positive. However, when I was in Dublin in 2008, I actually enjoyed the taste of Guinness. Whether you are at the factory or at a local pub, you won’t have to worry about bad-tasting brew. Guinness drinking means serious business to Dubliners.

Image: AaronPhelps/Flickr

2) Learn the Perfect Pour

Whether you are a beer fan or not, by the time you leave the factory, you will be well-versed in the art of Guinness brewing. Take advantage of the educational aspects of the tour and learn the art of the perfect pour. Just don’t be surprised when you see your local bartender back home pouring Guinness incorrectly.

With Guinness Brew Master, Fergal Murray last year.

3) The View is Free and Fabulous

If you are looking for the best view of Dublin, the view from the top level bar comes pretty close to perfect. The circular bar is lined with windows, giving you a 360 degree view of Ireland’s capital city.

4) It’s the Perfect Pre-game

If you are on a bohemian traveler budget, the Guinness Factory is the perfect pre-game. There are a few samples given out on your way to the top level and when you to reach the top, you are rewarded with a free full-sized beer. It’s also a great spot to meet other travelers.

My trip to the Guinness Factory in February 2008

5)Order Another the Right Way

Once you have a good Guinness you will want another. Go straight to a nearby pub and order Ireland’s best selling drink like a true Dubliner by using the local slang: “Arthur G”, “Arthur Scargill”, “Pint of black stuff” or “Pint of plain”.

Planning a future trip to Ireland? There are several hotels in Dublin that you can easily book and that are centrally located to the city center.

Your post brings back fond memories of Ireland. I was never a big fan of Guinness in the States, but there is just something about drinking a Guinness in Dublin that makes it's slightly magical.Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..ECO NEWS: Antarctic Ocean Alliance Proposes Marine Reserves

I loved the Guinness Storehouse. Not a stout fan myself, but I did appreciate learning more about the beer-making process and the particular history of Guinness - including the 9,000 year lease on the building!EurotripTips recently posted..Exploring the Medieval Village of Besalu

There's a right way of pouring Guinness? Does that make the beer taste better or not? Lol great post! It's always a great idea to learn everything where it originally took place. Especially beer ;)Alexa Meisler recently posted..Roland’s Epic Adventures: Belmont Park

Loved the factory on both occasions I've visited. The bar at the end, as you say, has a fabulous view, and the freshest Guinness in the world! Always a good time!Laurence recently posted..Dealing with bed bugs when travelling

When you are in Camberwell, SE5, London pop into the Old Dispensary Irish Bar. We've got the shortest lines in London (distance between keg and tap) and Guinness themselves have given us 5/5 for our lovely creamy Guinness. ;)

I did that and the Jameson factory when I was in Dublin. The view is really great with the sample Guiness pours, but I liked the tour and museum of the Jameson factory better.Andrew recently posted..Planning for Europe – Indie Travel Challenge

I have to admit that until this past year I rarely ordered Guinness. But I've grown to really enjoy it and would love to visit the factory in Dublin, what a fun place!Red Hunt recently posted..Quran at Alâeddin Mosque, Turkey

its crazy how intricate the methods are in pouring a guinness. i almost think its worth ordering another non-guinness type beer to tie you over until its ready!jamie - cloud people adventures recently posted..Travelling It Up Local Style

Did they show you how to make a shamrock on top? I'm a bartender and I'm so glad someone showed me how to properly pour a Guinness, especially since I work near Times Square and we get a lot of European traffic. I still need to learn the sharmrock though!Britany Robinson recently posted..One Thing with Megan McDonough